MCU’s Physician Doom Is Robert Downey Jr And Followers Are Conflicted

Robert Downey Jr. is coming again to the MCU. The actor who set the Marvel Cinematic Universe in movement again in 2008 with Iron Man appeared throughout Marvel’s massive July 27 Corridor H panel at San Diego Comedian-Con to make the announcement. Much more surprising than his return is that it received’t be as Tony Stark— this time RDJ can be taking a flip because the villain, particularly as Victor Von Doom, and followers (myself included) really feel a whole lot of other ways concerning the information.

Von Doom, higher often known as Physician Doom, is an iconic Incredible 4 villain that many have been wanting to see be part of the MCU. Hopes of Doom becoming a member of the cinematic universe grew with the announcement of a Fantastic 4 film again in 2019 (that we all know now could be titled Incredible 4: First Steps). Whereas we don’t know if RDJ will make his debut as Doom in that film (although it wouldn’t be shocking), we do know that he’ll be in future motion pictures, just like the Avengers Doomsday, set to launch in Might 2026.it seems like RDJ’s Doom can be that flick’s most important villain.

The return of RDJ and the long-awaited debut of certainly one of Marvel’s biggest baddies is an extremely thrilling announcement and it’s garnered reward from some followers. Simply hearken to the crowd erupt in cheers when RDJ takes off the masks throughout the panel. For some, the wild casting could also be simply wild sufficient to work. Some consider that ever since RDJ left the MCU following 2019’s Avengers Endgame, the franchise has struggled to seek out an actor with as a lot star energy who can draw audiences to theaters with their title alone. Bringing him again is a strong tactic to win again lapsed followers, and recent off an Oscar win for Oppenheimer, we all know RDJ can carry a powerhouse efficiency worthy of Doom — although his lengthy tenure as Iron Man was already sufficient to show that. Although the shortage of RDJ isn’t the one cause the MCU could also be struggling of late.

As with something Marvel associated, there are additionally so much of individuals, together with myself, who really feel this casting alternative is unnecessary and speaks to how determined Marvel is true now. After the Avengers defeated Thanos in Endgame, the franchise has been in determined want of a brand new overarching villain to face off towards, which was imagined to be Kang the Conqueror, performed by Jonathan Majors. That plan went up in flames after Majors was arrested, and later convicted, on home violence expenses, after which Disney fired him. And with middling responses to the current movie and tv initiatives which have adopted Avengers Endgame, Marvel is in pressing want of an enormous win. What higher approach to try this then carry again everybody’s favourite MCU star?

There are much more layers to why RDJ’s casting as Doom seems like a wasted alternative. We already gave RDJ 20 years of unimaginable movies throughout the MCU. Iron Man was the center of the Infinity Saga, which spanned from 2008 to 2019, and it despatched him out on an ideal notice. Bringing RDJ again seems like a transfer made solely out of desperation on the a part of Marvel.

Doom is without doubt one of the most beloved villains in Marvel’s repertoire and plenty of consider he’s been decreased to a sufferer of stunt casting. There are such a lot of actors on the market who haven’t starred within the MCU that would have made an unimaginable impression on the franchise. Bringing in Doom as a last-minute alternative for Kang may doubtlessly rob the character of a extra thought out story arc like we noticed with Thanos. Doom has by no means appeared in an MCU venture and on the earliest he’ll first seem in 2025’s Incredible 4. With Avengers Doomsday releasing in 2026 and Avengers Secret Wars (which is able to doubtless adapt the Doom-centric 2015 comedian arc) releasing one yr after that, all of it feels rushed. Whether or not it’s the appropriate or mistaken determination, it places the way forward for the MCU squarely again on RDJ’s shoulders. All this to say, lots of people aren’t proud of the SDCC announcement. Although, as all the time, solely time will inform how Marvel’s gamble will work out.

Whether or not you want or hate the casting information one factor stays fixed: jokes. Sure followers are taking the RDJ as Doom announcement to make as many memes as they will.

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